Glossary definition: Money Laundering

Money Laundering: Combatting Illegal Financial Activity

Money Laundering is the process of disguising illegally obtained funds so they appear to have been obtained from a legitimate source. It is typically done by transferring the money through a series of transactions and/or accounts to hide its origin. Common techniques used to launder money include structuring, smurfing, layering, and using offshore accounts. Money laundering is a crime in many countries and is used to finance activities such as drug trafficking, terrorism, and organized crime. Money laundering can also be used to hide illegal profits from legitimate businesses, such as tax evasion and embezzlement.